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Published: April 8th 2009
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Bikes Rule!
Motor bikes are king in Saigon. Hello Vietnam
Well, after years of talking about it, we finally made to Vietnam. Landing in Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, around 7pm; we breezed through customs and right into a row of customer service counters. We walked up to the very first one and within 5 minutes we had exchanged money, purchased a SIM card for our cell-phone and arranged taxi service to our hotel. Done!
Everyone talks about the crazy amount of motorbikes on the roads in Saigon and on the drive to our hotel that’s exactly what we saw. Our hotel, Blue River 2, was located in District I but not in the part with lots of hotels and restaurants. The streets outside consisted mostly of motorbike repair shops and electrical retail. But it was just $20 a night, A/C, Internet and breakfast and only a 10 minute walk to the commercial area of the city, filled with loads of places to eat, shop and get massages. The fact that there was annoying construction going on next door during the day (about 12 hours a day) put only a slight damper on the atmosphere. Staff was great and offered lots of suggestions for
Whole Lotta Dong
May look like a lot, but only comes to about $50 USD. Still, it tends to go a long way and keep you well fed. restaurants and things to do.
People & Places
We spent the first day exploring the city and trying to make contact with our friend Craig who was up north with his girlfriend. Our mission is to have dinner with him in as many countries as possible; this would be our 4th. We had read many blogs containing advice on crossing the streets in Saigon and took to heart each one. Having walked about in many big cities, we were not worried too much about this one. Motorbikes everywhere and coming from every direction can be somewhat intimidating but if you just take a moment to understand the flow, or system (there is one) you will easily fall into the rhythm. And you walk. You only stop for busses, everyone else will go around you, but other than that it’s a nice steady pace with slight glances to the left and right just to make sure that everyone is aware of your presence. We watched many newbies stand for long periods of time waiting for a break in the traffic, which only last about 2 seconds; lights and stop signs don’t really exist here. After a stroll around
Raised on the Motorbike
The Family car replaced by the bike; it doesn't matter what or who needs to get somewhere... the bike takes all. district one and the Ben Tranh market, we stumbled upon a street lined with massage and beauty salons. We both enjoyed an hour foot massage while Mike went the extra mile with manicure, pedicure and even getting his ears waxed. Ouch!
After a quick rest at the hotel, it was back out to the city center for dinner. We ate at a nice place called Thinh Banh 1, located just behind the market. Delicious food and very hearty portions; we left with happy bellies. And, we finally connected with Craig, scheduling to meet for breakfast the next morning. And that was just day one.
After a nice long 3 hour breakfast with Craig and Tina, we started day 2 in Saigon by roaming about the city and taking the afternoon easy back at the hotel. That night we ate dinner at a very popular place called “Wrap n Roll”. Neither one of us was that impressed and would not go back. The next morning it was off to China Town and the very big market. About a 25 minute taxi ride away, China town is dirtier and even more crowed. As for the market, while very interesting, we
Egg Man's Display
Vendor's display of eggs for sale outside our hotel. Yep, that's all he sold; he was the Egg Man. both preferred the one back in the city center. Our taxi ride back seemed to have a fixed meter that cost us 100,000 Dong more than the trip there. Bad Taxi! Two observations one makes here is: just about everyone wears a mask while on their motorbike (some even when walking) and the older women have decided that one pattern fits all. The reason for the mask is to protect the lungs from all the exhaust and the women wear them to also protect their skin from the sun. Many women (mostly older) will wear a set of pants and shirt made from the same pattern; have not found out why, but will soon.
That night we met up with Craig & Tina again, but this time for dinner. Called “Mushroom Hot Pot” and located not far from the Riverside Hotel, it is a very nice, large restaurant with holes in the center of each table. Why you ask? They bring out a large pot filled with veggies and chicken stock, placing it in the hole. You then get to choose several items to throw into the pot; eel, shrimp, frog, fish, are just some of the items listed.
Breakfast with Craig & Tina
Enjoying some breakfast of Pho before heading out to explore. Good Stuff! We ended up having rabbit, tofu, 2 types of mushrooms and taro.
Good-Bye Saigon
We enjoyed our time in Saigon; it was the perfect welcome to Vietnam that we needed. Just in case you are tracking our journey, from Da Lat it is off to Hoi An (known for its numerous tailors) then Hue, Hanoi and SaPa. Still 2 weeks to go before we leave for Cambodia followed by China; it is hard to believe that there is still so much more ahead. We need to stay focused on the country we are in and enjoy each day. So far, that has worked. You see we've added a video this time; hope you enjoy it. We will try to have one for each future blog.
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Amber
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Pho is Pheng's favorite and those desserts sure look yummy! :)